"This is one independent franchisee's personal opinion. We are proud to serve customers of varied races, backgrounds, cultures and sexual orientation, with different beliefs and values," the statement read. "Bearing that in mind, this franchisee has decided to remove the messages from his restaurant signs."

Supporters of Chick-fil-A are encouraging customers to eat at the company's restaurants Wednesday, declaring a "Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day."

The restaurant chain became the subject of controversy after company president Dan Cathy told the Baptist Press last month that his company supported the "biblical definition of a family."

In response to comments, gay rights organizations have called for boycotts of the restaurant.